How can we see God's glory in our church community today? The Anchor Verse “For the LORD will rebuild Zion; He will appear in His glory.” — Psalm 102:16 God promises a literal rebuilding of Zion and a visible manifestation of His glory. Because Scripture is both accurate and timeless, the same God who will one day reveal His splendor in restored Jerusalem delights to display that splendor in local congregations right now. What “Rebuilding Zion” Means for Us • Just as Zion was physically restored after exile, Christ is now spiritually building His church (Matthew 16:18). • Believers are called “living stones” being “built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:21-22). • Whenever the church is built up according to God’s design, His glory becomes perceptible. Where His Glory Breaks Through Today 1. Sound, Bible-saturated preaching • “If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the very words of God” (1 Peter 4:11). • Glory shines when Christ is exalted and Scripture is taught plainly. 2. Whole-hearted, orderly worship • 2 Chronicles 5:13-14 shows the cloud of glory filling Solomon’s temple as singers and musicians honored the LORD. • When we let “the word of Christ dwell richly” in our singing and thanksgiving (Colossians 3:16), God again makes His presence palpable. 3. Spirit-empowered love and unity • “By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). • A congregation that forgives quickly, serves selflessly, and guards unity (Ephesians 4:1-3) becomes a living showcase of divine glory. 4. Visible holiness and courageous purity • “Be holy, because I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). • Church discipline (1 Corinthians 5) and mutual accountability preserve a God-honoring witness, letting light “shine before men” (Matthew 5:16). 5. Persistent corporate prayer • After believers prayed together, “the place was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 4:31). • Prayer opens congregational eyes to God’s nearness and power. 6. Generous fellowship and practical care • Acts 2:44-47 depicts needs being met daily, provoking outsiders to glorify God. • Every meal shared, every burden lifted, reflects His compassionate heart. 7. Bold gospel proclamation at home and abroad • “God…has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6). • Each testimony, outreach, and missionary sending event is a window for that light to stream through. Signs His Glory Is Present • Conversion of sinners and baptism of new believers (Acts 2:41). • Ongoing transformation—the old passing away, the new coming (2 Corinthians 5:17). • The fruit of the Spirit ripening across relationships (Galatians 5:22-23). • Joy in trials, peace in uncertainty, and sacrificial generosity that defies explanation (Philippians 4:4-7; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5). • Spiritual gifts functioning harmoniously for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). Practical Ways to Seek More of His Glory • Center every service and ministry on the finished work of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:2). • Elevate Scripture: read it publicly, teach it faithfully, obey it immediately (1 Timothy 4:13). • Schedule regular seasons of united fasting and prayer. • Pursue reconciliation swiftly; refuse gossip or factionalism. • Equip members to discover and deploy their gifts, making room for Spirit-led participation. • Budget generously for benevolence and missions, proving that treasure truly lies in heaven. • Celebrate God’s interventions—share testimonies often, and let praise travel faster than problems. The Crescendo “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever” (Ephesians 3:20-21). When a congregation aligns itself with His Word, depends on His Spirit, and showcases His Son, Psalm 102:16 comes alive: Zion is being rebuilt, and the Lord is appearing in His glory—right here, right now, among His people. |
    |